In order to elucidate phylogenetic relationships and intraspecific variations and to infer the ev... more In order to elucidate phylogenetic relationships and intraspecific variations and to infer the evolutionary process of loaches of the genus Lefua, we analyzed nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial D-loop region of 100 specimens obtained from 97 localities in Japan and Korea. The genus Lefua includes three described species, L. nikkonis, L. echigonia, and L. costata and an undescribed species, Lefua sp. Our results showed that each species of Lefua formed a monophyletic group, indicating clearly that Lefua species can be genetically distinguished from one another. Lefua nikkonis was the most closely related to L. costata, while L. sp. was the most closely related to L. echigonia. Specimens of L. sp. were grouped into two intraspecific populations and specimens of L. echigonia were grouped into six populations. These populations were well separated geographically from one another by mountain ranges and highlands. We estimated the evolutionary time for splitting of the species and intraspecific populations, and speculated on the evolutionary process of the genus Lefua. Species of Lefua are severely threatened. Fundamental genetic information is indispensable for conservation. We presented genetic background in order to protect these threatened loaches.
Obesity is a serious health problem in developed countries. Knowledge of reliable and nationwide ... more Obesity is a serious health problem in developed countries. Knowledge of reliable and nationwide representative data is a must for any public health action. The dimension of this problem in Portugal was first assessed in 1995–1998. A similar populational survey using objective anthropometric measures is now being conducted (field work started in January 2003). A total of 6411 subjects aged 18–64 years old have already been measured and their respective body mass indexes (BMIs) calculated. Results from 2003 to 2005 show 38.6% is overweight and 13.8% has obesity. The total of overweight and obesity is 52.4%. In 1995–1998 survey, overweight was 35.2% and obesity was 14.4%. The total was 49.6%. These results suggest an increase of the overweight/obesity (altogether) prevalence in the last 10 years. Actual results show that more than half of the adult sample has excessive weight and 2.4% of the sample has low BMI. Finally, 45.6% of the sample suffers increased health risks because of high waist circumference (≥80 cm for women; ≥94 cm for men). These results highlight the fact that, although obesity was identified as a public health problem one decade ago, action to reduce it does not seem to have been very effective to date.
In order to elucidate phylogenetic relationships and intraspecific variations and to infer the ev... more In order to elucidate phylogenetic relationships and intraspecific variations and to infer the evolutionary process of loaches of the genus Lefua, we analyzed nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial D-loop region of 100 specimens obtained from 97 localities in Japan and Korea. The genus Lefua includes three described species, L. nikkonis, L. echigonia, and L. costata and an undescribed species, Lefua sp. Our results showed that each species of Lefua formed a monophyletic group, indicating clearly that Lefua species can be genetically distinguished from one another. Lefua nikkonis was the most closely related to L. costata, while L. sp. was the most closely related to L. echigonia. Specimens of L. sp. were grouped into two intraspecific populations and specimens of L. echigonia were grouped into six populations. These populations were well separated geographically from one another by mountain ranges and highlands. We estimated the evolutionary time for splitting of the species and intraspecific populations, and speculated on the evolutionary process of the genus Lefua. Species of Lefua are severely threatened. Fundamental genetic information is indispensable for conservation. We presented genetic background in order to protect these threatened loaches.
Obesity is a serious health problem in developed countries. Knowledge of reliable and nationwide ... more Obesity is a serious health problem in developed countries. Knowledge of reliable and nationwide representative data is a must for any public health action. The dimension of this problem in Portugal was first assessed in 1995–1998. A similar populational survey using objective anthropometric measures is now being conducted (field work started in January 2003). A total of 6411 subjects aged 18–64 years old have already been measured and their respective body mass indexes (BMIs) calculated. Results from 2003 to 2005 show 38.6% is overweight and 13.8% has obesity. The total of overweight and obesity is 52.4%. In 1995–1998 survey, overweight was 35.2% and obesity was 14.4%. The total was 49.6%. These results suggest an increase of the overweight/obesity (altogether) prevalence in the last 10 years. Actual results show that more than half of the adult sample has excessive weight and 2.4% of the sample has low BMI. Finally, 45.6% of the sample suffers increased health risks because of high waist circumference (≥80 cm for women; ≥94 cm for men). These results highlight the fact that, although obesity was identified as a public health problem one decade ago, action to reduce it does not seem to have been very effective to date.
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